PHT’s Morning Skate takes a look around the world of hockey to see what’s happening and what we’ll be talking about around the NHL world and beyond.

Six-time Stanley Cup champion Mark Messier had a chance to give top prospect Connor McDavid some advice when the two met for the first time on Monday in Chicago. Messier passed along some advice that he learned from hanging out with Wayne Gretzky during their early years in Edmonton. Despite all the sponsorship, fan and media demands, Gretzky was always the most prepared come game time.

“Listen, I’m not trying to cram 40 years of experience down into one five-minute brief meeting, but I think it is important for him to know that he can say ‘no’ sometimes,” said Messier. (Sportsnet)

Jaromir Jagr has a story on why Mario Lemieux came out of retirement during the 2000-01 season. (Bar Down)

Here’s another look at the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Game 3 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks:

Gordie Howe ‘comfortable and happy’ after second stem cell treatment. (The Hockey News)

“A week ago our discussion was ‘Is he even going to be around Christmastime?’ It’s been peaks and valleys,” said Mark Howe. “Right now we’re at the highest peak since his stroke. We’ve been pretty excited about it.”

Gordie Howe, 86, has reportedly suffered multiple strokes since late October. Wednesday’s news is the first real sign of progress in the right direction for the hockey legend.

According to Khan’s report, Gordie Howe has even been walking under his own power.

“He’s back in the ballgame,” said Mark Howe. “Where it will lead to we don’t know, but he’s miles ahead of where he was weeks ago.

The Howe family is pleased to report that over the past week Mr. Hockey has been recovering at a remarkable rate, including his speech, and his ability to walk with the assistance of a walker. Much work lies ahead, and we would like to thank friends and fans worldwide for their prayers and incredible outpouring of support.

Our father has been truly moved by the countless phone calls, letters, emails, posts, and the Red Wings “Get Well” gesture during the October 31 game. Mr. Hockey and the entire Howe family cannot thank you all enough.